All About Foxhounds

Foxhound is one of the most popular breeds of large beagle dogs. Their unsurpassed flair, the ability to work in a pack is highly appreciated not only by avid hunters, but also by fans of traditional ways of hunting the beast. Bred in the UK, this hound pretty quickly cemented its status as one of the best fox beaters and was exported overseas.

Today, the description of the English and American Foxhounds is often compared, evaluated the characteristics of the breeds and nature of dogs, therefore, the struggle for primacy is still ongoing.

Fox hound or foxhound - a breed of dogs that formed in the UK in the XIV-XV centuries. In its selection, several types of greyhounds and hounds that were popular at that time were used at once, but it is difficult to name even the exact amount of initial blood. Reliable data was not preserved in the sources, but there is information about the use of Talbots, Greyhounds, Terriers and even bulldogs.

The reason for the emergence of a new breed was the replaced fashion for methods of prey. Horse hunting for foxes became popular in England and dogs were needed that could withstand the horse gait speed for a long time and were ready to work in packs. By 1650, the phenotype and working qualities of dogs were fully formed. The new hound was so popular that it was honored to be sent overseas to the United States. It was from these dogs that the population of American Foxhounds went on.

It is known that the foxhound received its first family book back in 1786. But the official standard she had to wait much longer. It was adopted in the 19th century with the advent of the era of exhibitions and sports.In them, the Foxhounds also managed to establish themselves in the best possible way. Here a set of criteria was required, according to which it was possible to compare dogs with each other inside the breed.

The number of Foxhounds peaked in the 19th century. In the UK alone, 7,000 dogs were registered. In Europe, these hounds were especially revered in France, here they kept a large pack at the court of Napoleon III. Club recognition of Foxhounds took place in the XX century. The first in 1905 it was officially approved by the UKC, and after half a century, in 1955, the FCI standard was developed. The foxhound assigned number 159 has not changed since then.

English Foxhound is a serious pack hunting dog. Her character over the centuries has been shaped taking into account the working purpose of the animal. In the group, these hounds masterfully drive the foxes and help to get a larger beast. These are smart and sensitive dogs with developed attention, good eyesight. They are smart, well perceive non-verbal signals of the owner, and if necessary, are able to act independently.

Modern breeding lines have divided the English Foxhounds into two large groups: companions and working dogs. Dogs not used in hunting have acquired a more balanced, calm character. They get along well with children, are quite careful and delicate about their owners. Fox hounds are not aggressive against other dogs; they can be kept in a pack. They treat strangers with caution, signaling their presence with a loud bark.

The appearance of a dog of the English Foxhound breed, according to the standard, looks like this:

• height at the withers - 58-64 cm, body weight - 27-34 kg;
• life expectancy is about 10-12 years;
• color lemon-piebald, white with black spots in blush;
• the coat is short, tight-fitting to the body;
• addition is powerful, strong, balanced, without signs of damp bone;
• head with developed skull, moderate foot, long square muzzle;
• nostrils are clearly defined, black pigmentation;
• the jaw system is strong, with large teeth, scissor bite;
• ears hanging, low-set;
• eyes proportional, for example, hazel, brown shade;
• the neck is clearly defined, dry, with pronounced musculature;
• the back is straight, of considerable width, the loin is convex;
• chest deep, expressive;
• tail with a high set, saber, does not rise above the line of the back;
• limbs well developed, smooth, with a direct set.

The differences between the dogs of the American Foxhound breed from its English progenitor are in a number of points. The first of these is the prevalence of the species. Fox hounds from the USA are known mainly in their homeland, including in the state of Virginia, of which they are a symbol. The principles of selection also differ. The breeding of American Foxhounds used the Irish and French hounds, Kerry-beagles. FCI standard as a separate breed she received in 1979.

An external comparison of Foxhounds from the USA and Great Britain allows us to note the following important differences:

• a more sensitive scent that allows you to hunt hares, badgers;
• a wide range of height at the withers from 52 to 64 cm with a mass of 32-34 kg;
• allowable folds on the face;
• a more powerful, developed head with a massive front part;
• more aggressive nature, a tendency to demonstrate protective qualities;
• increased life expectancy - up to 15-17 years;
• general grace of the body and limbs (in comparison with the English look);
• typical colors are tricolor, red or brown bicolor.

The organization of proper nutrition of the dog is of great importance, especially with intense physical exertion. The energy consumption of the animal is large, it requires an additional supply of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. When selecting ready-made feeds, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that cheap economy-class feeds are categorically not suitable for thoroughbred hounds. They lead to a deterioration in the quality of the coat, skin allergies, and digestive tract disorders.

If Foxhound gets natural food, cook it immediately before feeding, cool to a comfortable temperature, do not supercool. The bulk of the diet should be the flesh of natural meat of low-fat varieties - poultry, beef, veal. This approach will help maintain optimal weight. The meat is pre-boiled, cut into medium-sized pieces. The recommended portion per day should be about 300 g of the finished product.

In addition to protein foods, the animal needs to get carbohydrates into the body. Their sources are cereals - oat, rice, providing the necessary saturation. Mandatory presence in food additives in the form of fresh or heat-treated vegetables, fruits. They contain fiber, necessary for the proper course of digestive processes. With the development of obesity in a dog, you should always consult a veterinarian, he will recommend a diet.

Features of the care of the Foxhound American and English types are reduced to the following procedures.

• Keeping your coat tidy. Short outer hair needs periodic, at least 2 times a month, combing with a massage brush. During molting, a special glove made of silicone or rubber is used to remove excess wool. These measures will keep the appearance of the animal aesthetic, with a shiny dense fur coat.
• Bathing. It is performed monthly, especially if the animal lives in an apartment. When exposed to rain or snow, it is enough to remove excess pollution with a damp cloth with a hypoallergenic composition. Mandatory regular wet treatment of the paws with drying pads after taking water procedures.
• Clipping a claw. They need to be regularly shortened. This will prevent the ingrowth of the claw into the skin, trauma to the pads. In addition, keratinized plates that are too long can cause pain when moving.
• Ear cleaning. This procedure is performed at least 1 time per week using a special lotion and a cotton pad. So their inner part is freed from dirt, dust, pathogens of inflammatory diseases.
• Vaccination and antiparasitic protection. They are held regularly. Dogs in the forest need both local treatment against parasites and the preventive wearing of protective collars, spraying sprays. It is also important to regularly conduct deworming, protecting the pet from worms.

Fox hounds definitely need space, freedom of movement. The optimal conditions of detention will be the dog's stay in a country house or cottage with a large private courtyard or near fields and meadows. As a rule, breeders hold more than one individual, so the dogs feel much more confident, they carry out the commands better. If the owner leads an active lifestyle, Foxhound will be an excellent companion for him on trips, walks, travels.

Foxhound of any type is a complex dog, not suitable for inexperienced breeders. The cause of “behavioral problems” is the genetic desire to be part of the pack. These animals interact with other dogs much better than with humans - hence the widespread opinion about the problem of the breed. Actually, even the wayward foxhound can well be adequately raised as a companion or hunter, a participant in sports.

The foundation for proper Foxhound training is laid at an early age. The dog needs a fairly solid upbringing. It is necessary from the first days to show who the leader is in the house, to achieve respect for the owner. Concessions - not the best method of finding mutual understanding. You must keep your distance with this natural born hunter, gently and firmly seeking absolute obedience.

Foxhounds workers need to take a special training course. It consists in the organization of training, allowing to wean the dog to consider poultry and livestock as prey. If you do not carry out this stage on time, it will be impossible to adjust the behavior of an adult animal. On a real hunt, the dog will show interest in any kind of living creatures, and there will be little benefit from it in the field.

See how to train foxhound in the next video.